Equipment transport bag

ABSTRACT

Equipment transport bag assemblies ( 20, 92, 98, 145, 152, 182 ) each including an upright, open-top, equipment-receiving bag ( 22, 110, 158 ) with associated equipment-handling assemblies ( 24, 92, 102, 164, 184 ). The assemblies ( 24, 92, 102, 164, 184 ) have load-bearing strap units ( 34, 114, 166, 186 ) operably associated with the transport bags ( 22, 110, 158 ) so that the strap units ( 34, 114, 166, 186 ) bear the primary loads during lifting and handling of the bag assemblies ( 20, 92, 98, 145, 152, 182 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention is concerned with equipment containment bagassemblies designed to provide environmentally safe shipping and storageconditions for leaking or otherwise non-performing equipment, such aspole-mounted distribution transformers, switchgear, breakers, andreclosers, equipped with lifting appendages (e.g., lifting lugs, eyes,or hooks). More particularly, the invention is concerned with such bagassemblies having an open-top equipment-receiving bag with anequipment-handling assembly associated with the bag and including atleast one load-bearing strap unit designed to engage the at least onelifting appendage, and interconnected bag-supporting sections. In thisway, the load-bearing strap units bear the primary loads associated withlifting and handling of equipment within the bag.

Description of the Prior Art

Conventional electrical transformers used in power distribution systemsinclude a sealed, oil-filled tank with internal electrical components,such as transformer coils. These transformers also have externalhardware, such as mounting equipment, connection busses, and liftinglugs. These transformers are subject to leaking over time, resultingfrom damage to the transformer tank or from extended use. Such leakagescan be environmentally damaging, inasmuch as the oil formulations withinthe transformers can often include hazardous chemicals (e.g., PCBs). Inany event, it is necessary to safely transport failed transformers fordisposal or repair, in accordance with governmental regulations. In likemanner, other types of equipment, and especially electrical utilityequipment, require safe and effective containment and shippingenclosures.

A number of different transformer containment devices have been providedin the past. For example, Andax Industries LLC has commercialized XtraHD Pole-Mount Transformer Sac™ containment bags, which have large,puncture-proof transformer bags with opposed perforated sections whichcan be opened to allow access to transformer lifting lugs. However,these bags do not provide any closures for these openings, andaccordingly moisture or contaminants can enter the bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,001 describes another type of transformercontainment bag which includes a bag with an internal liner and externallifting hoops. These kinds of bags are deficient, and indeed do not meetrelevant regulatory standards, because the lifting lugs of thetransformers cannot be accessed, thus requiring that the transformers beelevated and moved using only the bag components, which placesconsiderable stress on the overall assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above and providesequipment transport bag assemblies, which allow lifting and handling ofequipment having one or more lifting appendages without imposing undueloads upon the equipment bags. To this end, the bag assemblies of theinvention comprise an upright bag (which may be of any desired shape orsize, such as circular or quadrate) including a bottom wall and upwardlyextending sidewall structure, the bag presenting an open upper end andconfigured to receive equipment therein; an equipment-handling assemblyis operably associated with the bag and equipment and includes at leastone load-bearing strap unit for operably engaging the at least onelifting appendage, with associated structure engaging and supporting thebag so that the equipment is retained within the bag during handlingthereof.

In certain embodiments where the equipment includes at least a pair ofspaced lifting lugs, the equipment-handling assembly includes a pair ofload-bearing strap units each having a first strap section with anarcuate portion configured to engage a corresponding lifting lug, and asecond strap section with an arcuate lifting portion, the first andsecond strap sections operably connected together. Again, theequipment-handling assembly is operably coupled with the bag so that theequipment is retained within the bag during handling thereof. As usedherein, “lifting lugs” or “lugs” refer to any type of integrated liftingpoint(s) associated with the equipment to allow safe lifting andhandling thereof. The term “operably connected together” with respect tothe strap sections and arcuate lifting sections refers to the fact thatthese sections may be configured using individual straps which are theninterconnected, or from a single strap.

To this end, each of the first lug-engaging strap sections may be formedfrom a first strap of material having opposed ends, the opposed endssecured to the sidewall structure by stitching or any other suitabletechnique. Likewise, the second strap sections are formed from a secondstrap of material having opposed ends, the opposed ends of the secondstraps secured to the sidewall structure and to the first straps. Theload-bearing strap sections may be formed as reverse loops or as bightsections.

In other embodiments where the equipment lifting appendage(s) compriseone or more lifting eyes, typically mounted at the top central region ofthe equipment. In such cases, the equipment-handling assembly isoperably connected with the equipment and the bag and includes at leastone load-bearing strap unit operably coupled with the lifting appendage;other structure may be used to secure the bag, such as a separate strappassing through the lifting eye.

Advantageously, in all of the embodiments, the equipment-handlingassembly is designed so that the strap units bear a substantial portionof the lifting load, normally at least about 85% of the load of theequipment, and usually essentially 100% thereof. In this way, the bag isnot unduly stressed during handling of the equipment, but ratherprimarily serves as a containment vessel, and bears only the load of itsweight and that of any collected fluid therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an equipment transportbag in accordance with the invention, shown with an electricaltransformer within the bag, ready for lifting;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view illustrating one of theload-bearing strap units of the transport bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, but illustratinga lift assembly operably coupled with the equipment transport bag;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, throughthe bag adjacent the central load-bearing straps, shown with thetransformer supported by the load-bearing strap units;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another equipment transport bagembodiment in accordance with the invention, illustrated with anelectrical transformer therein;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5, but depicting a liftassembly operably coupled with the transport bag;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another equipment transport bagembodiment in accordance with the invention of quadrate configuration,illustrated with an electrical transformer therein;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, but depicting a liftassembly operably coupled with the transport bag;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another equipment transport bagembodiment in accordance with the invention of quadrate configuration,illustrated with an electrical transformer therein;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9, but depicting a liftassembly operably coupled with the transport bag;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of the FIG. 7 embodiment, throughthe bag adjacent the central load-bearing straps, shown with thetransformer supported by the load-bearing strap units;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment wherein the liftingappendage is in the form of a central lifting eye, and wherein theequipment handling assembly comprises a pair of strap units; and

FIG. 13 is another embodiment wherein the lifting appendage is in theform of a central lifting eye, and wherein the equipment handlingassembly comprises a single strap having a first portion engaging thelifting eye, second lifting portions respectively passing throughopenings formed in the bag sidewall, and third lifting portions.

While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions ortolerances for the illustrated components or structures, FIGS. 1-13 areto scale with respect to the relationships between the components of thestructures illustrated therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of FIGS.1-11

These embodiments are particularly designed for use with equipment suchas transformers, which are universally provided with a pair of opposed,side-mounted lifting lugs.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, an equipment transport bag assembly 20 isdepicted, which broadly includes an upright, open-top, generallycircular in plan bag 22, together with an equipment-handling assembly24. As illustrated, an electrical transformer 26 is received within bag22, and has a pair of opposed, outwardly-extending lifting lugs 28(FIGS. 2 and 4).

The bag 22 includes a bottom wall 30 and upwardly extending sidewallstructure 32 terminating in an upper margin 33. The bag 22 may befabricated from any suitable material, but is preferably formed ofheavy-duty synthetic resin material, and is substantially leak-proof. Asexplained below, the function of bag 22 is primarily to contain anyspillage of liquid from the transformer 26, and does not function as theprimary load-bearing component during the lifting and handling of thetransformer 26.

The assembly 24 includes a pair of opposed, load-bearing strap units 34,which, in this embodiment, are secured to the sidewall structure 32.Each such load-bearing strap unit 34 has a first section 36 with anarcuate portion 38 designed to engage a corresponding lifting lug 28,and a second strap section 40 with an arcuate lifting portion 42.

Each first strap section 36 is formed from an elongated first strap 44having first and second ends 46 and 48. As illustrated, the ends 46, 48terminate adjacent the upper margin 33 of sidewall structure 32, withthe portion 38 being a loop 39 intermediate these ends. Each secondstrap section 40 is formed using a second, generally U-shaped strap 50having opposed ends 52 and 54. The strap 50 presents a central bight 56and upwardly extending, opposed legs 58. As shown, the bight 50 extendsacross bottom wall 30, whereas the legs 58 extend upwardly along thesidewall structure 32 to the upper margin 33; from this point, the legs58 extend further upwardly and then downwardly to form each liftingportion 42 in the form of a loop 59. The bight 56 and legs 58 aresecured to the bottom wall 30 and sidewall structure 32, respectively,by stitching or any other appropriate means.

The first and second strap sections 36 and 40 are secured to each other,and to sidewall structure 32 adjacent the upper margin 33. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the upper end of sidewall structure 32 issandwiched between the ends 46, 48 of the first sections 36, and to thelegs 58 and the terminal portions of the lifting portions 42. Suchinterconnections are preferably accomplished by means of stitching, butcould be achieved by other means, such as by heat welding or suitableadhesive.

The overall equipment-handling assembly 24 also includes a pair ofopposed, non-load-bearing, bag-orienting strap sections 60 and 62, eachhaving a corresponding arcuate connection portion 64, 66. In this case,the strap sections 60, 62 are formed using a third U-shaped strap 68presenting a central bight (not shown) and upstanding legs 70. The bightand legs 70 are secured to the bottom 30 of bag 22 and to the sidewallstructure 32 thereof, respectively. The upper ends of each of the legs70 extend above the margin 33 and are reversed to form loops 72. Again,the end portion of each loop 72 is secured to sidewall structure 32 bystitching or other appropriate means.

In order to provide further reinforcement for the bag 22, a pair ofcircumferentially extending upper and lower straps 74, 76 extend aroundsidewall structure 32 and the legs 58, and are secured thereto.

In order to effectively lift and transport the transformer 26 within thebag 22, an exemplary lift assembly 78 is employed (FIGS. 3-4). Theassembly 78 includes a fourth strap 80 having endmost loops 82, as wellas an identical fifth strap 84 with endmost loops 86. A clevis slip hook88 is secured to each of the loops 82 and 86. As shown, the slip hooks88 of strap 80 are secured to the loops 59, whereas the slip hooks 88 ofstrap 84 are secured to the loops 72. A single hook 90 engages thestraps 80 and 84 at the central regions thereof, and is connected to afurther lifting arrangement (not shown) to allow lifting and handling ofbag 22 and the transformer 26 therein.

During such lifting and manipulation of bag 22, it will be appreciatedthat, owing to the construction of the strap units 34, these units andthe associated lift assembly 78 bear a substantial part of the liftingload, and that the third strap 68, and the bag 22 itself, bear only aminor portion or none of the lifting load. In effect, the strap 68 andthe associated loops 72 function primarily as a means of controlling thebag 22 during lifting and handling operations. For example, as set forthin FIG. 4, it will be observed that during lifting the transformer 26 issimply contained within bag 22 and does not engage the bag 22 at all.Thus, the strap units bear essentially all of the load of the equipment,while the bag 22 bears its own weight and any fluid collected therein.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate another embodiment in accordance with theinvention, which is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIGS.1-4. Accordingly, identical parts will be given the same referencenumerals. The principal difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6and that of FIGS. 1-4 lies in the fact that, instead of the reverseloops 59 and 72, arcuate sections 94 and 96 are used. Thus, the secondU-shaped strap 50 a has legs 58 a which extend upwardly along and areconnected to the sidewall structure 32, but extend further upwardly andlaterally to form the arcuate bight sections 94 and then extenddownwardly along the sidewall structure 32 in spaced relationship to thelegs 58 a. Similarly, the upwardly extending legs 70 a of third U-shapedstrap 68 a extend further above the margin 33 and then laterally to formbight sections 96, with the terminal portions of the strap 68 aextending downwardly and connecting to sidewall structure 32 in spacedrelationship to the legs 70 a. In all other respects, the embodiment ofFIGS. 5-6 is identical to that of FIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 7-8 depict a third embodiment in the form of a transport bagassembly 98 including an upright, open-top, substantially quadrate inplan bag 100, together with an equipment-handling assembly 102.Equipment 104 is received within bag 100, and is equipped withside-mounted lifting lugs 106.

The bag 100 includes a bottom wall (not shown) together with sidewallstructure 108 in the form of four interconnected sidewall panels 110cooperatively defining an upper margin 112. The bag 100 is flexible andis formed of appropriate synthetic resin or other suitable material.

The handling assembly 102 includes a pair of opposed, load-bearing strapunits 114 secured to sidewall structure 108. Each such strap unit 114has a first section 116 designed to engage a corresponding lifting lug106, and a second strap section 118 with an arcuate lifting portion 120.Each of the strap sections 116 are very similar to the sections 36described above, and include an elongated strap 122 having a loop 124with the strap ends 126 secured to the inner face of sidewall structure108 adjacent margin 112. Each strap section 118 is made up of anelongated strap 128 secured to the outer face of sidewall structure 108,with an extension above margin 112 in the form of a reverse loop 130.The strap sections 116 and 118 are secured to each other, and to bagsidewall structure 108 by stitching or any other appropriate means.

The handling assembly 102 also includes a total of four substantiallynon-load-bearing, bag-orienting strap sections 132 located at thecorners of the bag. Each strap section 132 includes an elongated strap134 secured to the exterior face of sidewall structure 108 and extendingabove margin 112 with a reverse loop 136. The end of loop section 136 issecured to the upper end of strap 134, and to sidewall structure 108.

A lift assembly 138 is provided for lifting and handling of the bag 100with equipment 104 therein. The assembly 138 is very similar to that ofpreviously described assembly 78, and includes a lift strap 140 havingslip hooks 88 secured to the ends thereof and coupled with the loops130. Additionally, two other straps 142 and 144 are provided, eachhaving endmost slip hooks 88, and designed to couple with the cornerloops 136.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention in theform of a bag assembly 145, which is very similar to that of FIGS. 7-8,and again, like components are identified by the same referencenumerals. The only difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11versus that of FIGS. 7-8 lies in the non-load-bearing corner straps. InFIGS. 9-10, a continuous, generally U-shaped strap 146 is providedadjacent each corner of the bag 100. The straps 146 include an uppermostbight 148 and two downwardly extending legs 150. The latter are securedto the outer faces of the adjacent sidewall panels 110, as illustrated.Likewise, the lift assembly 138 differs only in the connection of thestraps 142 and 144 to the bights 148, rather than the loops 136.

Just as in the earlier embodiments, the strap units 114 serve as theprimary load-bearing structure, so that the equipment 104 is separatefrom the bag 100 when elevated.

Each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 make use ofload-bearing strap units having first and second strap sections whichare interconnected and secured to the equipment-receiving bag. It shouldbe understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these typesof constructions. For example, the load-bearing strap units can beformed from a single strap, which may be connected to the bag or passthrough a slit or other opening in the bag sidewall, without any directconnection between the bag and the strap units. In the latter case, thebag is lifted with the single strap units and is retained in place bythe latter and the bag-orienting strap sections.

Embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13

These embodiments are especially designed for use with equipment havinga central, top-mounted lifting eye, in lieu of or in addition toside-mounted lifting lugs.

FIG. 12 illustrates an equipment transport bag assembly 152, which isuseful in connection with equipment 154 having an upstanding, centrallifting eye 156. As in the case of the earlier embodiments, the assembly152 has a bag 158, here equipped with a pair of opposed, reinforcedopening slits 160, 162 in the sidewall of the bag. The assembly 152 alsohas an equipment-handling assembly 164 in the form of a first generallyU-shaped load-bearing strap unit 166, which has a lower segment 168engaging the eye 156, and upper loop sections 170 each designed toreceive a slip hook 88. The overall assembly 164 also includes abag-supporting strap 172 having a central section 174 passing throughthe eye 156, with outboard side loop sections 176, 178 passing throughthe corresponding opening slits 160, 162. One end of the strap 172 isequipped with a metallic ring 180, whereas the other end has opposedVelcro sections allowing passage through ring 180 and connection toitself.

As will be appreciated from this structure, essentially all of thelifting load is borne by the first strap 166, with the strap 172supporting only the weight of the bag 158.

FIG. 13 depicts another equipment transport bag assembly 182 to be usedwith the equipment 154 having lifting eye 156. The assembly 182 is madeup of the bag 158 as well as a modified equipment-handling assembly 184.The latter has a single strap unit 186 having terminal loops 188 and190. As shown, the strap unit has a central section 192 which passesthrough eye 156, as well as outboard loops sections 194 and 196respectively passing through the bag opening slits 160, 162. Finally,the strap 186 has third lifting portions in the form of the loops 188,190. Both of these loops are designed to interfit with a slip hook 88.Again, it will be appreciated that essentially all of the lifting loadis carried by the assembly 184, and little if any of such load istransferred to the bag 158.

1. An equipment transport bag assembly operable to handle equipmenthaving at least a pair of spaced lifting lugs, said bag assemblycomprising: an upright bag including a bottom wall and upwardlyextending sidewall structure, said bag presenting an open upper end andan interior configured to receive said equipment therein; and anequipment-handling assembly including a pair of load-bearing strap unitseach having a first strap section with an arcuate portion configured toengage a corresponding lifting lug when said equipment is within saidbag, and a second strap section with an arcuate lifting portion, saidfirst and second strap sections operably connected together, said firststrap sections extending into said interior of said bag for engagementwith said corresponding lifting lugs when said equipment is within saidbag, said equipment-handling assembly operably coupled with said bag sothat said equipment is retained within said bag interior during handlingof the equipment.
 2. The transport bag assembly of claim 1, each of saidfirst lug-engaging strap sections formed from a first strap of materialhaving opposed ends, said opposed ends secured to said sidewallstructure.
 3. The transport bag assembly of claim 1, each of said secondstrap sections formed from a second strap of material having opposedends, said opposed ends of said second straps secured to said sidewallstructure.
 4. The transport bag assembly of claim 3, said second strapbeing generally U-shaped and presenting a central bight and upwardlyextending legs.
 5. The transport bag assembly of claim 1, saidequipment-handling assembly including a pair of opposed, bag-orientingstrap sections, each having an arcuate connection portion.
 6. Thetransport bag assembly of claim 5, said bag-orienting strap sectionsformed from a third strap of material having opposed ends, said opposedends secured to said sidewall structure.
 7. The transport bag assemblyof claim 6, said third strap being generally U-shaped and presenting acentral bight and upwardly extending legs.
 8. The transport bag assemblyof claim 1, said first and second strap sections of said strap unitsbeing interconnected.
 9. The transport bag assembly of claim 8, saidfirst and second strap sections being interconnected by stitching. 10.The transport bag assembly of claim 1, said bag being generally circularin plan configuration.
 11. The transport bag assembly of claim 1, saidbag being generally quadrate in plan configuration.
 12. The transportbag assembly of claim 1, including at least one reinforcing bandextending around and secured to said sidewall structure.
 13. Thetransport bag assembly of claim 1, each of said arcuate portions of saidload-bearing strap units being in the form of a loop.
 14. The transportbag assembly of claim 5, each of said arcuate portions of saidbag-orienting strap units being in the form of a loop.
 15. The transportbag assembly of claim 16, said load-bearing strap units operable to bearsubstantially all of said load assembly with said equipment therein. 16.The transport bag assembly of claim 1, said load-bearing strap unitsoperable to bear at least about 85% of the load during lifting of saidbag assembly when equipment is within said bag interior.
 17. Anequipment transport bag assembly operable to handle equipment having atleast one lifting appendage, said bag assembly comprising: an uprightbag including a bottom wall and upwardly extending sidewall structure,said bag presenting an open upper end and an interior configured toreceive said equipment therein; and an equipment-handling assemblyoperably connected with said equipment and said bag when said equipmentis within said bag and including at least one load-bearing strap unitoperably coupled with said lifting appendage so that the at least onestrap unit bears substantially all of the load during lifting of saidbag assembly with said equipment therein, said at least one load-bearingstrap unit extending into said interior of said bag for engagement withsaid lifting appendage when said equipment is within said bag, saidequipment-handling assembly also operably coupled with said bag so thatsaid equipment is retained within said bag during handling of theequipment.
 18. The transport bag assembly of claim 17, said liftingappendage comprising an eye secured to said equipment, said at least oneload-bearing strap unit operably engaging said eye.
 19. The transportbag assembly of claim 18, said equipment-handling assembly including asecond strap unit passing through said eye and operably supporting saidbag.
 20. The transport bag assembly of claim 18, said at least oneload-bearing strap unit including a first portion extending through saideye, second portions operably engaging said bag, and third liftingportions.
 21. The transport bag assembly of claim 20, said secondportions extending through opposed openings formed in said bag.
 22. Thetransport bag assembly of claim 17, said at least one lifting appendagecomprising a pair of spaced lifting lugs secured to said equipment, saidequipment-handling assembly including a pair of load-bearing strap unitseach having a first strap section with an arcuate portion configured toengage a corresponding lifting lug when such equipment is within saidbag, and a second strap section with an arcuate lifting portion, saidfirst and second strap sections operably connected together, said firststrap sections extending into said interior of said bag when saidequipment is within said bag.
 23. The transport bag assembly of claim22, each of said first lug-engaging strap sections formed from a firststrap of material having opposed ends, said opposed ends secured to saidsidewall structure.
 24. The transport bag assembly of claim 22, each ofsaid second strap sections formed from a second strap of material havingopposed ends, said opposed ends of said second straps secured to saidsidewall structure.
 25. The transport bag assembly of claim 24, saidsecond strap being generally U-shaped and presenting a central bight andupwardly extending legs.
 26. The transport bag assembly of claim 22,said equipment-handling assembly including a pair of opposed,bag-orienting strap sections, each having an arcuate connection portion.27. The transport bag assembly of claim 26, said bag-orienting strapsections formed from a third strap of material having opposed ends, saidopposed ends secured to said sidewall structure.
 28. The transport bagassembly of claim 27, said third strap being generally U-shaped andpresenting a central bight and upwardly extending legs.
 29. Thetransport bag assembly of claim 22, said first and second strap sectionsof said strap units being interconnected.
 30. The transport bag assemblyof claim 29, said first and second strap sections being interconnectedby stitching.
 31. The transport bag assembly of claim 22, said bag beinggenerally circular in plan configuration.
 32. The transport bag assemblyof claim 22, said bag being generally quadrate in plan configuration.33. The transport bag assembly of claim 22, including at least onereinforcing band extending around and secured to said sidewallstructure.
 34. The transport bag assembly of claim 22, each of saidarcuate portions of said load-bearing strap units being in the form of aloop.
 35. The transport bag assembly of claim 26, each of said arcuateportions of said bag-orienting strap units being in the form of a loop.36. The transport bag assembly of claim 22, said load-bearing strapunits operable to bear at least about 85% of the load during lifting ofsaid bag assembly using said arcuate lifting portions when saidequipment is within said bag.
 37. The transport bag assembly of claim 1,said equipment presenting a bottom wall, the bottom wall of said bagbeing spaced from said equipment bottom wall when such equipment iswithin said bag, and said assembly including said bag is lifted usingsaid arcuate lifting portions.
 38. The transport bag assembly of claim17, said equipment presenting a bottom wall, the bottom wall of said bagbeing spaced from said equipment bottom wall when such equipment iswithin said bag, and said assembly including said bag is lifted usingsaid arcuate lifting portions.